Portonovi
Built by MARINETEK in 2019, Portonovi is a first-rate marina for yachts and super yachts measuring up to 120 meters and just a 15-minute drive away from the bustling old town of Herceg Novi and half an hour from magical Perast. Doubling as a homeport and year-round seaside resort, the Portonovi Marina offers 238 berths.
It is surrounded by the UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor and its harborfront walkway is dotted with all kinds of top-notch international restaurants and luxury hotels, including the One & Only Montenegro, a 5-star sanctuary with private infinity pools on one of the Adriatic’s most spectacular beaches.
One of Portonovi’s major allures is its sophisticated beach clubs, spectacular mountain setting, and the collection of eclectic shops available. There is also no shortage of activities within easy distance of this beautiful marina resort, including luxury wellness pamperings, island hopping, and visits to ancient coastal villages.
Perast
Discover Perast, one of Montenegro’s most charming coastal towns, offering a romantic seaside promenade lined with Baroque architecture and quaint restaurants.
Herceg Novi’s Historic Center
Herceg Novi’s Old Town is well worth a visit for its interesting blend of cafes, restaurants, and squares, boasting genuine Mediterranean vibes.
Portonovi at a Glance
- Portonovi is considered by many the prettiest marina in the Eastern Mediterranean
- The marina is equipped with the most recent technology and operated by D-Marin
- 238 berths (superyacht ready)
- Picturesque harborfront with good al-fresco restaurants
- Enjoy a sophisticated wellness treatment in the Espace Spa (Chenot method)
Portonovi Restaurants
For a confined place like Portonovi, there is an astonishingly large selection of restaurants here, from modest little bistros for grabbing a cappuccino and quick between-meal snack, to top-notch eateries serving some of the most delicious foods that Montenegro has to offer. The yacht-filled marina and luxury villas built into the surrounding Dinaric slopes provide clear evidence of the type of clientele regularly frequenting these gourmet parlors.
Not surprisingly, the average restaurant bill will be higher here, however, in most cases this is entirely justified by the higher quality of the cuisine. Romantic veranda seating along the ritzy waterfront fully leverages Portonovi’s beautiful and unique scenery. One such popular spot for sharing dishes of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fusion cuisine is Restaurant Square.
The view of yachts moored at the pier and the quaint Lustica settlements in the mountains across the bay, add a sumptuous backdrop to your meal. Only the finest farm-fresh ingredients go into their a la carte menu, guaranteeing a balanced richness of the five flavors while the culinary offering includes delicacies such as ‘Masgouf Hama’ (grilled carp), juicy Wagyu ribeye steak, and octopus cooked in a Mibrasa charcoal oven.
Lustica Peninsula
The picturesque Lustica Peninsula off the coast of Protonovi is known for its pristine cove beaches, historic stone villages, olive groves, and upscale resorts.
Overlooking the golden sands and magnificent pool landscape of the One & Only Resort, this contemporary restaurant – which is aptly named ‘Sabia’ (Italian for ‘sand’) – serves genuinely exquisite Italian dishes with a Montenegrin twist, carefully crafted by renowned chef Alessandro Mordini.
Even though the atmosphere here is tranquil and relaxed, the cooking is anything but casual. Chargrilled local fish and meats, alongside pasta variations, are among their specialties; while vegans and vegetarians won’t starve either. Great international wine list counting several hundred curated bottles, too!
NOA Portonovi is an exceptional Asian Fusion restaurant right on the waterfront which is highly ranked among Montenegro’s gourmands and is managed by celebrity chef de cuisine Chris Mare. All meals are prepared following Japanese ‘wabi-sabi’ principles and are beautifully presented, reflecting the kitchen team’s creativity and attention to detail.
Their exciting a la carte menu favors classic Japanese sushi, nigiri, teriyaki skewers, and tempura, but there is also a range of burgers and sandwiches on the menu, alongside ample choice for vegans and vegetarians with a zesty twist, and even an assortment of tacos. The portion sizes are more than generous.
Hotels in Portonovi
If money is not a concern, staying at the prestigious One & Only Portonovi is never a bad idea. It’s one of those ultimate bucket list hotels, perfect for a honeymoon, romantic getaway, or other special occasions, offering top-notch hospitality, utmost seclusion, and the panoramic splendor of Montenegro’s newest super yacht marina.
The 5-star One & Only boasts a glamorous seafront with several private outdoor infinity swimming pools, overlooking the Bay of Kotor and private beach access with turquoise-colored waters. Having welcomed its first guests in March 2021 means that all facilities and amenities will still feel like brand new.
Golf buggies are always at your fingertips to transport you around the beautifully landscaped estate, add a variety of stylish beach bars, a top-grade Spa and wellness center, and three exquisite dining options into the mix, and it should come as no surprise that the One & Only Portonovi has rightfully earned its place among Montenegro’s finest hotels.
You can find another, more toned-down, accommodation option within footwalk distance of there. The 5-star Portonovi Resort offers commodious residences – either studios, suites, or villas. Weather permitting, there are few more relaxed spots than reclined on an ultra-comfortable lounger by the pool or on the beach where you’ll receive the dreamy blend of mirror-like water and picturesque bay views.
Bay of Kotor
The Bay of Kotor finds itself on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites thanks to its unrivaled beauty. Kotor, Perast, Tivat, and Herceg Novi are located along its shores.
The Beach Clubs
The fantastic One & Only Portonovi beach gives hotel guests plenty of space, beautifully arranged outdoor pools, and one-of-a-kind secluded Balinese beds for swimming, luxuriating, and sunbathing. For everyone else, there’s the lively Portonovi Beach Club delivering craft cocktails and refined cuisine straight to your sun loungers.
To encourage total relaxation, the resort owners threw the amazing Tapasake Beach Club into the bargain, a zen-like venue specializing in gourmet tapas-style Asian Fusion cuisine in a chic Mediterranean pool club environment. Besides the mix of luscious food and laid-back vibes, their other specialties are great music and very attentive service.
Portonovi Events
One of the most famous social affairs in Portonovi is the Wine Night taking place every July, a wine-tasting event spiced up with open-air concerts and lots of singing and dancing. Another popular event is the Spring Saga Market, which is held over ten days at the end of April and the start of May at the lively Marina Square.
Organized by the Portonovi Yacht Club, the Boka Island Regatta takes place every year over three days in June. This is when you see dozens of sailboats sail around Boka Bay’s picturesque islands, most notably Our Lady of the Rocks, St. George Island, and the Island of Flowers off the coast of Tivat, plus evening get-togethers and live entertainment. There are also events at nearby Herceg Novi, Perast, and Kotor worth considering.
Tivat
The exquisite seaside resort of Tivat is first and foremost known for its super yacht marina, offering the ideal backdrop for luxury shopping and waterfront dining.
Kotor
The stunning coastal town of Kotor is regularly listed among the must-see destinations in Europe. It is surrounded by UNESCO-protected city walls.
Location & Transport
Portonovi’s immediate surroundings offer a plethora of lovely walks, including the 6-kilometer-long Pet Danica Walkway from Meljine to Herceg Novi, plus there’s an abundance of natural and architectural landmarks within a short driving distance. The Savina Monastery and Winery (tastings available) is a lovely old church estate surrounded by verdant coastal forests.
The nearby Orjen Nature Reserve comes complete with a range of well-marked hiking trails, and picturesque karst ridges, and even boasts a child-friendly adventure park. What’s more, you’re also just a short water taxi or private boat ride away from the abandoned Austro-Hungarian fortresses and the cove beaches of the Lustica Peninsula, such as Miriste Beach and Zanjice.
Herceg Novi
Discover the charms of Herceg Novi, Montenegro’s northernmost coastal town, straddling the border with neighboring Croatia.
Things to do in Portonovi
If you are staying in Portonovi, consider reading up on the surrounding areas, as there is plenty to see and within just a half-an-hour drive. Most notably, Perast, an ancient Adriatic coastal town with beautiful Baroque churches, Italian-style palazzi, and a pretty waterfront promenade lined with seafood restaurants.
From there, you can take a water taxi over to the Island of Our Lady of the Rocks, named for its artificial origin as an island church built over many centuries to commemorate the finding of an icon of the Madonna and Child at this exact location. Herceg Novi has a charming old town, boasting quaint piazzas and cobblestone streets dotted with many cafes and bars.
Lustica is a stunning peninsula just a kilometer off the coast of Portonovi. If you fancy taking a dip outside of the Bay of Kotor, you may like the idea of chartering a nice boat or small yacht with a skipper for a splendid day exploring Lustica’s stunning southwest coastline. Golfers visiting the Lustica Bay marina and resort will find an excellent 18-hole course designed by Gary Player.
Inside the One & Only Resort, the Escape Spa offers exceptional relaxation and rejuvenation following Henri Chenot’s groundbreaking, preventative method. The treatment facilities are sumptuous and include a heated indoor pool landscape, steam room, Finnish sauna, and a range of tailored bio-energetic treatments and massages, including phyto-mud and hydro-jet applications. In case you’re feeling active, there are two floodlit tennis courts, where you can take lessons from an ATP professional.
Our Lady of the Rocks
An artificial island built over several centuries, Our Lady of the Rocks is just a short water taxi ride away from Perast and other Boka coastal towns.
Living in Portonovi
Portonovi is quite a desirable place to live given its proximity to all major Boka Bay towns and the beautiful southern coast of Dalmatia, including Dubrovnik, giving its residents access to many great amenities and facilities. To give an example, Portonovi is home to Boka School International, the largest pre-and-primary school in that area.
Understandably, living here is relatively expensive compared to less luxurious seaside resorts in Montenegro. Portonovi and the surrounding area enjoy heightened demand from real estate investors thanks to the infrastructural improvements being worked out and implemented here. Portonovi’s timeless architecture appeals to a wide range of potential (second-home) buyers and renters with some high-profile individuals owning property here, including tennis pro Novak Djokovic.
It should come as no surprise that property prices naturally vary; the closer you come to the Adriatic shoreline and the better the views, the higher the price of the unit. Expect to pay from 500k (one-bedroom apartments) to 4 million Euros for a glamorous penthouse with panoramic views of the yacht-filled marina and Bay of Kotor.
Living in Montenegro
Many people consider moving to and living in Montenegro mainly for the country’s quality of life, sense of safety, stunning scenery, and its many lifestyle opportunities.
Montenegro Residency Options
Find out more about all the residency options in Montenegro for the current calendar year, and make this beautiful Adriatic country your new home.